how to remove & install a battery for a 1963 corvette

[Kenneth M.]

Hi All,

Just bought a 1963 corvette and want to replace the battery.........after looking at the engine compartment for 30 minutes, my head is still spinning. Can anyone recommend the easy and correct way to do this. The new battery is a maintance free Delco correct model (no acid leakage to worry about).

[Jim L.]

Re: how to remove & install a battery for a 1963 corvette

My procedure is this:

1. Unbolt expansion tank, swing it out of the way, hold it in place with a coathanger wire.

2. Disconnect negative cable, then positive cable. Swing both out of the way. Hold in place with wire, if needed.

3. Remove nuts/washers from battery hold-down and remove hold-down.

4. Call my son.

[Edward J.]

Re: how to remove & install a battery for a 1963 corvette

Ken, if you remove the overflow tank the battery will slip out. Not a very good design. I am taking you have a non A/C car. A/C cars have a access panel in wheel housing

[Stuart F.]

Re: how to remove & install a battery for a 1963 corvette

A couple tips;
1)Drain your radiator before you move your expansion tank.
2)Don't lose or badly distort the expansion tank holding straps.
3)If the existing battery is a wet lead acid battery, make sure the caps are tight and protect the surrounding area including the fender and all exposed metal such as the plug shield (ask me how I know).
4)Last but not least; if indeed it is a wet battery, it will be very heavy and the only way you can lift it out is to turn it on end and hand press (squeeze) it from both sides to lift it up until you can get your hands under it for a good grip to lift it out the rest of the way. Your new dry battery will be a dream to put in as it is so much lighter. You'll never go lead acid ever again.

[Jim L.]

Re: how to remove & install a battery for a 1963 corvette

1)Drain your radiator before you move your expansion tank.

I've never found this to be necessary.

Jim

[Bob R.]

Re: how to remove & install a battery for a 1963 corvette

I tied an adjustable strap around the old battery and grabbed that to lift it out of the recess. It is very difficult to lift the battery out without some type of handle or grip to hold it with. I was able to disconnect and flip the surge tank over without lowering the antifreeze level. Once the tank is out of the way you should have enough room to remove the batery.